A teenager seriously injured in a motorcycle crash at Brands Hatch has been brought out of his coma - and is breathing on his own for the first time in more than two weeks.

Jordy de Jonge, 17, from the Netherlands and James Puttrell, 25, from Hitchin in Hertfordshire fell during the first lap of the National Superstock 600 race on April 19.

Mr Puttrell was airlifted to St George’s Hospital in Tooting by Kent Air Ambulance and Mr de Jonge, who suffered a serious head injury, was taken by HEMS Air Ambulance to the Royal London Hospital.

Mr de Jonge was put into an artificial coma by doctors working to reduce pressure on his brain.

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In a statement released by his team G&S Racing, Mr de Jonge's manager, Mark Fisher confirmed that he has been taken off a ventilator and is breathing for himself after spending the last three weeks in an induced coma.

It said that the teen had recognised his parents for the first time since the crash and had spoken a few words.

Mr Fisher said: "This is really good news for Jordy and his parents, they hope to have him sitting up tomorrow and he should make further progress in the next day or so.

"Along with Jordy's parents and friends the team have been overwhelmed by the support of the BSB family. "

Mr Puttrell is also slowly recovering from the smash at St George's Hospital in Tooting.